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Androgen influence on the meibomian gland
D A Sullivan1, B D Sullivan, M D Ullman
1Schepens Eye Research Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. sullivan@vision.eri.harvard.edu
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|October 29, 2000
Summary
Androgens influence meibomian gland lipid profiles, indicating it is an androgen target organ. Further research is needed to understand how androgens regulate lipid production and affect tear film stability.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The meibomian gland produces lipids essential for the tear film's lipid layer.
- Androgens are hypothesized to play a role in meibomian gland function and tear film stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if androgen receptor protein is present in rat meibomian glands.
- To determine the effects of androgen deficiency and treatment on rabbit meibomian gland morphology, lipid content, and fatty acid profile.
- To assess the impact on the tear film lipid layer.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect androgen receptor protein in rat meibomian glands.
- Rabbit meibomian glands were analyzed via histology, gas chromatography, HPLC, and mass spectrometry.
- Tear film lipid layer appearance was evaluated using interferometry.
Main Results:
- Androgen receptor protein was found in the nuclei of acinar epithelial cells in rat meibomian glands.
- Androgen deficiency altered the lipid content of rabbit meibomian glands.
- 19-nortestosterone treatment modulated the fatty acid profile of rabbit meibomian gland lipids.
- Androgens did not significantly affect meibomian tissue morphology or the tear film lipid layer.
Conclusions:
- The meibomian gland is confirmed as an androgen target organ.
- Androgens demonstrably influence the lipid profile of meibomian gland tissue.
- The precise regulatory role of androgens in lipid production and their impact on tear film stability require further investigation.